Barrowville
a.k.a. Col. William McKinley House
E of Milledgeville on GA 22/24, Milledgeville, GAThe significance of McKinley House is primarily architectural. It is a pure example of a Downing Gothic-style cottage and has remained in the hands of the family of the original owner. It has been preserved practically unaltered since its construction. The second area of significance stems from the plantation records kept by Col. McKinley concerning the agriculture and weather of the region in the late 1850s, making this site most interesting from the standpoint of American civilization and agriculture.
The McKinley House is a Gothic-style cottage that, with minor modifications, was directly adapted from Plate XXVI, "A Country-House in the Pointed Style" described in A. J. Downing's The Architecture of Country Houses, which was published in 1850. Col. McKinley owned this book which is still in the library of the McKinley House, with Plate 26 removed.
On July 27, 1858, William McKinley laid the cornerstone for his new brick house, made of bricks kilned by McKinley at a brickyard he set up for this purpose. The house was to be called Barrowville, named for his first wife, Patience Barrow. The brick walls began to go up on September 6, 1858. Masons began the second story two months later on November 1st. The house was completed shortly after the new year of 1859. Col. McKinley kept a detailed record of the construction of the house.
Among the family papers in the library of the house is a bid for the construction of the house by one "Demarest." He was probably the carpenter for the house, as in 1856-57 Demarest, Alling, and Company were paid for carpentry work on the Central Building, State Lunatic Asylum (Powell Building, Central State Hospital), and in 1857-58 Demarest, Baldwin, and Company were paid for carpentry work on the same. From the bid and subsequent adjustments, it appears that brackets were eliminated from the piazza and that a lookout in the original plan ("Platform on top, rail and scuttle-latter") were also eliminated for economic reasons.
Other notations by McKinley that "Mullaly and two men began to blast rock for my house" and "Rock mason, Mullaly and Keough finished basement of my house" probably refer to Mr. Mullally of Hancock County, a bricklayer who bid on the erection of a wall at the State Lunatic Asylum in 1858-59.
Local significance of the building:
The McKinley House is a Gothic-style cottage that, with minor modifications, was directly adapted from Plate XXVI, "A Country-House in the Pointed Style" described in A. J. Downing's The Architecture of Country Houses, which was published in 1850. Col. McKinley owned this book which is still in the library of the McKinley House, with Plate 26 removed.
On July 27, 1858, William McKinley laid the cornerstone for his new brick house, made of bricks kilned by McKinley at a brickyard he set up for this purpose. The house was to be called Barrowville, named for his first wife, Patience Barrow. The brick walls began to go up on September 6, 1858. Masons began the second story two months later on November 1st. The house was completed shortly after the new year of 1859. Col. McKinley kept a detailed record of the construction of the house.
Among the family papers in the library of the house is a bid for the construction of the house by one "Demarest." He was probably the carpenter for the house, as in 1856-57 Demarest, Alling, and Company were paid for carpentry work on the Central Building, State Lunatic Asylum (Powell Building, Central State Hospital), and in 1857-58 Demarest, Baldwin, and Company were paid for carpentry work on the same. From the bid and subsequent adjustments, it appears that brackets were eliminated from the piazza and that a lookout in the original plan ("Platform on top, rail and scuttle-latter") were also eliminated for economic reasons.
Other notations by McKinley that "Mullaly and two men began to blast rock for my house" and "Rock mason, Mullaly and Keough finished basement of my house" probably refer to Mr. Mullally of Hancock County, a bricklayer who bid on the erection of a wall at the State Lunatic Asylum in 1858-59.
Agriculture; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The city of Savannah, Georgia was the first planned city in America. It was laid out in a grid pattern with squares for public use, and this design was later copied by other cities throughout the country.
About Baldwin County
Baldwin County Timeline
Baldwin County, located in central Georgia, has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The county was established in 1803 and named after Abraham Baldwin, a Georgia representative and signer of the United States Constitution. The area was originally home to Creek and Cherokee Native American tribes until European settlers arrived in the late 1700s.
During the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Baldwin County's economy. Cotton plantations were widespread, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in the fields. The county experienced growth and prosperity, attracting more settlers and establishing the city of Milledgeville as its county seat in 1807. Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868.
In the mid-19th century, Baldwin County played a significant role during the Civil War. The county saw extensive action, including multiple battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces clashed throughout the region. Many buildings in Milledgeville were used as hospitals and barracks. After the war, Baldwin County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, with the economy shifting towards industries such as textiles and manufacturing.
Throughout the 20th century, Baldwin County continued to develop and evolve. The construction of highways and railroads opened up new opportunities for growth and commerce. Education also played a crucial role in the county's development, with the establishment of Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1889. Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant community, combining its historical legacy with modern amenities and a thriving local economy.
During the early years, agriculture played a significant role in Baldwin County's economy. Cotton plantations were widespread, and enslaved Africans were forced to work in the fields. The county experienced growth and prosperity, attracting more settlers and establishing the city of Milledgeville as its county seat in 1807. Milledgeville served as the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868.
In the mid-19th century, Baldwin County played a significant role during the Civil War. The county saw extensive action, including multiple battles and skirmishes, as Union and Confederate forces clashed throughout the region. Many buildings in Milledgeville were used as hospitals and barracks. After the war, Baldwin County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, with the economy shifting towards industries such as textiles and manufacturing.
Throughout the 20th century, Baldwin County continued to develop and evolve. The construction of highways and railroads opened up new opportunities for growth and commerce. Education also played a crucial role in the county's development, with the establishment of Georgia College in Milledgeville in 1889. Today, Baldwin County remains a vibrant community, combining its historical legacy with modern amenities and a thriving local economy.
Baldwin County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Baldwin County, Georgia.
- 1803: Baldwin County is established by the Georgia General Assembly.
- 1807: Milledgeville is designated as the county seat of Baldwin County.
- 1811: The county courthouse in Milledgeville is completed.
- 1825: Baldwin County is divided to create Bibb County.
- 1841: The Central State Hospital is established in Milledgeville.
- 1864: During the American Civil War, Milledgeville is briefly occupied by Union troops.
- 1868: Baldwin County's courthouse is destroyed in a fire.
- 1871: Construction of a new courthouse in Milledgeville is completed.
- 1906: The Georgia State Sanitarium is opened in Milledgeville.
- 1980: The Georgia Department of Corrections opens the Baldwin State Prison in Milledgeville.
- 1997: Baldwin County celebrates its bicentennial.